Ali's condition has 'vastly improved'

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's after he retired from boxing in 1981 [AFP]

The condition of Muhammad Ali has "vastly improved" since he was admitted to the hospital over the weekend with a mild case of pneumonia and doctors hope to discharge the boxing legend soon, a spokesman said.

Ali, 72, was admitted to a hospital in an undisclosed location on Saturday morning.

"The Ali family continues to request privacy and appreciates all of the prayers and well wishes," spokesman Bob Gunnell said.

"No further details are being released."

A three-time world heavyweight champion and widely recognised as one of the best fighters ever, Ali suffers from Parkinson's disease.

He made a rare public appearance in September to attend a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.

Ali, nicknamed "The Greatest," was diagnosed with Parkinson's about three years after he retired from boxing in 1981 with a 56-5 record.